Saint Francis University

Name: Taryn Gibson
Hometown: Canonsburg, PA
Major: History
Minor: Political Science and Pre-law
Activities: Captain of Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Teams, Northeast All Conference Teams in Cross Country and Track, Secretary of Pre-law Club, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Student Ambassador, Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Saint Francis University Historical Honor Society Alpha Alpha Beta, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Saint Francis University Honor Roll and Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Basketball Referee. 
Future Plans: Pursue a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration at the University of Louisville

Home.  That’s what Saint Francis University has become for me.  The people I have had the opportunity to interact with on a day to day basis for the past four years have become family.  We have laughed and cried, agreed and disagreed, rejoiced and mourned. I have been so fortunate to have created relationships that will last a lifetime.   

The respect and support that the faculty and administration have for the students is unparalleled.  These individuals have served to be mentors and have guided me and helped me shape ideas on a global perspective.  

The University has given me the opportunity to be a leader on campus by being involved in different programs and organizations on campus.  I have not just had the ability to become a leader but to be an effective and important decision maker with the ability to make changes on campus to benefit the student body. 

I have had many first time experiences during my time here; from my first fifty page paper to staying up all night with friends. While the University slogan “It’s Just Different Up Here” is corny it truly describes this place I call home.  I have become accustomed to sunny warm tanning weather one day and a snowy blizzard the next. 

The education I have received from Saint Francis can not be compared to a dollar amount.  However, I think that the valuable life lessons I have learned are not what I have learned in the classroom.  I have learned more from my interactions and experiences than I could have learned any where else.   

No matter where I end up in the future, there is no place like home and Saint Francis University is my home.